Research Projects

The GEMM Lab led a research expedition in January 2014 that collected observational, behavioral, and oceanographic data to prove the existence of a blue whale foraging ground in the South Taranaki Bight in New Zealand.

The GEMM Lab is working with colleagues in Auckland and New Zealand to collect individual sightings data using survey and photo-ID methods to address the conservation of critically endangered Maui's dolphins of New Zealand.

Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand and are listed as endangered, with their primary threat from bycatch in setnet and trawl fisheries. The GEMM lab has undertaken a study to generate species distribution models of these dolphins.

In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Auckland, a research project is underway to understand the population size of Bryde’s whales and their foraging and habitat use ecology within the Hauraki Gulf.